Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca in 'Star Wars,' Dies at 74

Actor Peter Mayhew, best known for portraying Chewbacca in the "Star Wars" franchise, has died at 74. Mayhew died at his Texas home on April 30.

(Published Thursday, May 2, 2019)

Peter Mayhew, the actor best known for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars series of science fiction films, died April 30 at his North Texas home, according to a statement from his family.

Mayhew, who was born in London on May 19, 1944, died Tuesday evening with his family by his side at his home in Boyd, Texas. He was 74.

Mayhew, who stood 7 feet 2 inches tall, was the giant man inside the furry suit portraying the Wookiee Chewbacca in five Star Wars films beginning with the original trilogy released from 1977 to 1983. Mayhew put on the suit again for 2005's Revenge of the Sith and then again most recently for 2015's The Force Awakens, when he was reunited with Harrison Ford and their iconic spaceship the Millennium Falcon.

In addition to films, Mayhew voiced the character in a number of cartoons and video games and appeared at countless conventions.

Mayhew developed lifelong friendships with the other "Star Wars" actors and spent three decades traveling the world to meet his fans, the statement said.

"He was the gentlest of giants -- A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly," actor Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker opposite Mayhew, wrote on Twitter. "I'm grateful for the memories we shared & I'm a better man for just having known him."

The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. pic.twitter.com/YZ5VLyuK0u